Can Nipples Be Too Wide and Not Long Enough to Have Successful Breastfeeding?

Updated on December 02, 2009
E.K. asks from Santa Clarita, CA
5 answers

My name is E. Kuhn and I have a month old little boy and a 17 month old little boy. With my first boy I had a hard time breastfeeding because I had very flat nipples and had to use a nipple shield my entire time breastfeeding. I pumped and breastfeed him up until 7 1/2 month until I got pregnant with my second. I have only breastfeed my second until 2 days ago when I started giving him pumped breastmilk. I am still having pain and I know he has thrush. I also started bleeding again which I did a lot with my first. It was to the point he was pooping and spitting up black. My nipples are better with my second and I don't have to use the shield but I noticed that he can suck half my nipple and it comes to a point where 1/2 of the nipple looks chewed up. I am also taking him one and off the latch because he keeps slipping and then it hurts. It also bleeds when he first goes on. I am struggling with pumping more and just feeding that way especially with an active toddler that is very jealous with not getting the attention. I also feel the bonding is hard because I am constantly in pain and pulling him on and off the boob for a better latch. I have seen many lactation consultants and I know how to latch him. I just don't know if you can have nipples that are just too wide and flat to have a consistant good latch without pain. I have also tried different positions but some are just too painful.
Thank you in advance.
E. K

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So What Happened?

Thank you for your responses. Yes both Jackson and I both had thrush and he is now on medication. I also have it on my nipples. I have decided to pump so he is getting breastmilk all the time and feeding him with a shield and from the breast when everything clears up. The shield is actually better and Jackson has no problem going back and forth from the bottle and the breast. He is a very healthy eater. He doesn't care just so he gets feed. I guess my biggest problem was I was having so much pain and my oldest is only 17 months old and doesn't understand so he is jealous. Which is understandable. So he has actually pulled the newborn off my breast and all liked to play with his head when he was breastfeeding. So I thought of getting a gate to put around me or him, but using the bottle and feeding him from the breast when my older one was not around was less stressful and painful. It was more a battle not bonding. Thank you for everything I am just know the most impostant thing is he is getting breastmilk.

More Answers

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D.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

It sounds like you are in a challenging place. The questions that came to my head when reading your post were:
Do you have thrush on/in your breasts? Remember, if your son has thrush, his mouth is uncomfortable so maybe that is effecting his latch. If you have thrush on or in your breasts, it could affect your pain level. Remember, your little one is still learning how to latch with you (esp. if he has had thrush for a bit) and if he has been uncomfotable he could be doing some hard sucking to eat as quickly as poss to avoid pain thus causing you to bleed. Just a thought. Good luck and I hope you and the boys find some ease soon! :0)

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E.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

If you're willing to see another lactation consultant, I'd get in touch with the pump station in hollywood or santa monica (thepumpstation.com). They offer excellent consultations and have support groups that are a godsend when going through breastfeeding struggles. When you have a proper latch, it should not hurt at all except for the pressure from let down, tugging, etc and the baby shouldn't be able to make your nipples that raw. I had this issue at first and videotaped proper holding, mouth angle, everything before I could get it right. I also used the nipple shield at first. If you're committed to giving it a go, I say give it another try with a consultant. If you can achieve proper/painless latch WITH the consultant, you should be able to on your own. However, if it's just not happening, it's just not happening. Whatever you decide, it's going to be what's best for you and your family. Just make sure you feel good about your decision.
Good luck!

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R.G.

answers from San Diego on

Erika - Sorry to hear how hard it has been for you. Would it be better if you pumped and then fed him with a bottle? I breastfed my little one for 18 months, and touch-wood she is the healthiest kid on the block. It hurt and it was really difficult to continue for so long (but a walk in the park compared to your situation) but I am very, very happy that I b'fed her for as long as I did. The effort paid off. It seems like you have tried very hard to keep him on the breast - perhaps if pumping is less painful, you can do that and still have him reap the benefits of mama-milk.

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi E., I think you are putting yourself through unnessesary pain and discomfort. Eating time is a time of joy and bonding, trust me you can get that same joy and bonding with pain and discomfort by using formula and a bottle. I know many moms don't believe in formula and bottles, as an old school mom let me just tell you sweeite my 3 were fed Simulac and they were just as healthy and happy as any breast fed babies, and I bonded with them through feeding them with a bottle, talking to them and singing to them while I fed them. You don't need to be in pain and discomfort. J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Oh E.,I feel you pain!! I had the same issues with my son. I found that if you place you hand on your brest, pointer and middle finger spread wide with your nipple between those fingers, take your other hand and pull your nipple thru your fingers allowing for your whole nipple to be between your fingers - "clamp" your fingers around your nipple to keep your nipple in place. This allows for your baby to get a good latch. You can always contact the La Leche League or contact the hospital where you gave birth and ask to speak with the lacation specialist. Hope you find something that works for you!!

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